I think this is a fantastic Myst spiritual succesor type of a puzzle game. I like how the puzzles are mostly envirnmental and no logic puzzles.
Let me begin by saying this is one of the most gorgeous games I have played in recent years. Pros: Production values -Art and gfx -Sound design -Atmosphere -Writing and the dialogue - story and narrative structure are fantastic -Great voice acting -Imaginative concept- unique Cons: The gameplay (minus some elements, they are ok) Now, here is where my rant starts. From the first moment, at the unique menu screen, I was intrigued and the first mins of the game, before the core gameplay started I was mesmerised. The gfx, the narrative, everything was drawing me. I so wish this game had chosen a different genre like adventure puzzle game, or even a shooter mixed with stealth or at very least, approached stealth differently. My biggest problem is the core mechanics of the game dictates that the knocked out enemies rise up again every like 30 secs and undoes everything. To me, while this is a cool narrative concept and ties in well with the story, is a very frustrating gameplay element! I will only go through and try to finish this becase of its fantastic writing and I want to know where it ends up but seriously, wish they redid the some of the gameplay and released a version 2.0 because this game deserves to be played by everyone and be loved. So, why is my score so high? Because everything else, and even some of the gameplay elements work really well, but some of the game end up being the biggest annoyance and make the game into a slog. :( So be warned, my stars are probably too forgiving.
Just as Grimrock was more of a puzzle game than an RPG, this game is also an RPG light. It is more of a tactical strategy puzzle game where each battle encounter is the puzzle you need to solve. There would be more than one way to win, but there usually is a pattern that you need to figure out to conquer scenarios. Combat is pretty straight forward and easy to get into. There are not many complex systems which is great to get your head around. But one might yearn for a little deeper RPG complexity which you will not find it here. Optimising wins are more about being tactical and figuring out what the each encounter needs more than character progression of the characters. I find the art, the world, and the writing really charming but if you are not into Joss Whedon like light hearted dialogue in your fantasy then beware. I think it is cute and fun. All in all, it is a compelling game that I keep coming back (hence such high score) to but even in Easy mode I am struggling. I am pretty bad at tactical strategies. So, if you are like me, you might want to check some YouTube previews before hand. For some this game will not be deep enough to warrant more than 3-4 stars and that's understandable. But what is here is polished and I am into the story.
I need to start by saying two things. One, I love HOMM 2 and 3 but I am one of the worst players of the either game. I do not mind 6 either (more on this later). And the second thing is, when I first played HOMM 5, back around the time it had recently came out, I remember hating it. No lip sync, the textures felt ugly, the camera control was hopeless, story seemed cheesy. I uninstalled very quickly. Fast forward to 12 years later, I am having such a blast with this game. Before I played any of these games, however, I played number 6. I still love the unit and animations of 6. Some of the units in 5 are same as 6 - but of course much lower res-, however, some are super experimental. Some of the designs are hit, some are misses for me. So, I tend to prefer HOMM 6 personally. Having said that, the way they approached to map building and story feels fresh and really awesome. It feels more like a grounded world rather than a playground; so not a boardgame board with pieces if you will. I really hope they try this type of approach, if ever, in the future they make another title. Another weird thing about this game is, I have played HOMM through to number 6 bar number 4, and this game's campaign at "easy" is easier than easy. Like, other HOMM game's easy actually kick my ass. I cannot even beat them! Having said that, I am in too early of the campaign, perhaps, it will get harder. Or, for the first time in HOMM game, I may have to increase the difficulty! *gasp* All in all, I'd say this is an awesome edition to the series. I would say it competes the number 1 spot for HOMM3 for me personally. I still like some of the design choices of number 3, so it still kind of remains number 1 for me haha. But then HOMM 5 cutting sooo close. If you are looking to dip your toes into the series, and you don't mind some old gfx (still look decent at highest setting with AA etc.) this is the perfect place to start! Highly recommend!
Wow, the production values and the story telling is amazing! I did not like Gone Home but this is definitely interesting.
I have not bought the GOG version, so I do not know the quality. However, Loom itself, while loses steam by the end, is brilliant! I love how different it feels from other point and click games and the simple interface is so friendly. There are some ridiculous logic here and there, but mostly the game is really easy and a bit too short. Though, originally inteded as a trilogy, so that explains the length. The world looks so gorgeous even after all these years thanks to Mark Ferrari's incredible technique! Even with its short length, flaws, and rushed ending I am giving it a 5 star for originality, and clever ideas. I just wish this got a remake with a bit more fleshed out story and pushing the mechanics.
The game does some good things with the 3-D perspective point and click adventure controls. I really love the world and characters are great too. If you love Stark and Arcadia, you will love this game.
